The University of Lincoln has been ranked 37th out of 101 universities in the Times Higher Education's annual Student Experience Survey.

More than 12,000 full-time undergraduates took part in the national survey, which aims to show which universities offer the best all-round student experience.

Uniquely, students themselves were asked to put forward the things they considered most important in their university experience. These 21 categories then formed the basis of the survey. The attributes found to be most important included: helpful interested staff; well structured courses; high quality facilities; high quality staff/lectures; good social life; good community atmosphere; good environment on campus, and good extra-curricular activities/societies.

The University's Senior Pro Vice Chancellor, Professor Mike Saks, said: “This is a tremendous outcome which puts us in the top third of universities nationally – underwriting the fast-rising educational profile of the University of Lincoln and making it a very attractive place for students to come to study.”The Times Higher Education's Student Experience Survey was conducted by market research specialists Opinionpanel. In total, over 12,000 full-time undergraduates took part in this year’s polling, which ran from October 2007 to May 2008.

The other attributes rated in the survey included: good student union; good support/welfare; good relationship with teaching staff; centralised facilities; industry connections; good accommodation; security; cheap shop/bar; tuition in small groups; fair workload; sports facilities; library.

Wes Streeting, president of the National Union of Students, said: "What makes this survey stand apart is that students themselves determine the factors important in delivering a high-quality experience."The full article and table of results can be found at: http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk